Unseasonably hot weather conditions and a few critical injuries hindered the performace of the Fontbonne University Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams this past weekend at the Millikin Invitational. The men’s team finished 5^th overall out of a field of nine and the women’s team finished 5^th in a field of five.

The women’s team was led by freshman Tricia Morris (Trinity HS, Florissant, MO) who was the first Griffin to cross the line in a time of 29:00. Freshman Rachel Hanson (Rossview HS, Clarksville, TN) did not competed due to an injury. Last week Hanson was named the SLIAC Runner of the Week for the second time this season. Several other key women’s team members finished the race with injuries.

The men’s team concluded the day in better shape, but still could only muster a 5^th place finish. Freshman Everett Jackson (University City HS, University City, MO) was once again the first Griffin to cross the finish line, in a time of 28:51. Fellow freshman Zach Kassman (Northwest HS, Cedar Hill, MO) continued to close the gap as he finished Friday’s run with a time of 28:58. Freshman Nathan Uding (Ste. Genevieve HS, Ste. Genevieve, and MO) ran his best time of the year on the 8000 meter course, in a time of 29:47.

The teams will have this week off from competition as they prepare for the St. Louis Pharmacy School Invitational in two weeks, followed by the Conference meet the following Saturday.